Increase In Violence Against Children In Plateau Worries Agency

CHANNELS TV

Concerns are rising over the increasing rate of violence against children in Plateau State, with officials of the state and UN agency saying it is becoming worrisome.

Cases of molestation of children ranging from sexual, physical, emotional and child labour are being reported frequently across the state.

UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Ladi Alabi, warned that the high prevalence rate of violence against children had negative effect.

Ladi stressed the need for collaboration in raising awareness through campaigns to end violence against children.

According to a national survey by UNICEF, six out of every 10 children in Nigeria suffer from one form of violence or another which has negative effect on the lives of the children involved and requires attention particularly at the home front where child abuse is prevalent.

As part of efforts to increase awareness on ending violence against children, UNICEF field office in Bauchi in collaboration with Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is launching the campaign to end violence against children, following the increasing rate of assault on minors across the state.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Rufina Gurumyem, said the culture of silence in cases involving violence against children is a challenge.

Security agencies have been battling to curb the spread of such violence, even as some culprits have been convicted and others are facing charges in different courts.

With the high rate of violence against children on the increase, it is time to take action together from the home front, at schools and communities to end the act that could affect the future generation.